# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=203 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 204 --- ## [The USA should stop policing the world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usa-should-stop-policing-the-world/712738)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2015, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usa-should-stop-policing-the-world/712738 "2015-02-27T03:53:50Z")
Obama is trying to authorize having boots on the ground to fight ISIS. They have done nothing to harm the USA or our allies. It is not our job to police the world. I understand protecting South Korea, or the rest of … --- ## [A letter from Auschwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-letter-from-auschwitz/712221)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2015, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-letter-from-auschwitz/712221 "2015-02-27T01:53:08Z")
Hey everyone, So I got entangled with a Holocaust denier. Yeah, I know…bad idea. Anyway, I’m trying to refute his points about the camps having amenities like swimming pools and money and the like, but he’s claimed one… --- ## [NSA Mass Cell-Phone SIM Hack... or maybe not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-mass-cell-phone-sim-hack-or-maybe-not/713728)
**Author:** [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2015, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-mass-cell-phone-sim-hack-or-maybe-not/713728 "2015-02-27T01:44:52Z")
Currently, the SIM manufacturer identified as a target in the latest round of Snowden whistleblower leaks claims that their keys are still safe: The possibilities would appear to be: There never was a hack – the lea… --- ## [President Obama and Net Neutrality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-obama-and-net-neutrality/704283)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-obama-and-net-neutrality/704283 "2015-02-26T22:42:46Z")
According to this source: \[ul\] \[li\]Are these assessments correct?\[/li\]\[li\]If they are, is this harmful?\[/li\]\[li\]And is this part of a general pattern - along with executive orders, legal reinterpretations, non-enforc… --- ## [Best-Sourced Documentary on 9/11 Truth Yet: "September 11 - The New Pearl Harbor"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-sourced-documentary-on-9-11-truth-yet-september-11-the-new-pearl-harbor/713704)
**Author:** [@manfromuncle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manfromuncle)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-sourced-documentary-on-9-11-truth-yet-september-11-the-new-pearl-harbor/713704 "2015-02-26T22:32:43Z")
The viral documentary, getting to half a million hits on Youtube alone. All claims based on verifiable sources. Part 3 posted first, as it jumps right into Ground Zero. The Truth Movement is not only not fading away, … --- ## [Understanding the causes of the Great Recession](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-the-causes-of-the-great-recession/713435)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-the-causes-of-the-great-recession/713435 "2015-02-26T18:14:30Z")
I still don’t really have my head around this, so let me tell you what I think happened and you, if you want, can correct any mistakes. Banks sold mortgages to consumers, many of whom were high-risk, a.k.a. sub-prime. … --- ## [What are the conservative arguments against single payer health care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-conservative-arguments-against-single-payer-health-care/712974)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-conservative-arguments-against-single-payer-health-care/712974 "2015-02-26T06:49:06Z")
Please, no straw men. Conservatives, do you object to single payer health care, and if so why? I am running out of reasons to oppose it. Thanks, Rob --- ## [Are some people fated to commit suicide.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-people-fated-to-commit-suicide/528553)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-people-fated-to-commit-suicide/528553 "2015-02-26T02:21:06Z")
The issue of takine one’s own life has recently touched my life in several ways, and I stumbled across singer Judy Collins’s excellent book Sanity & Graceon the suicide of her only child, sonClark Taylor. Collins makes … --- ## [DOJ may indict Zimmerman on civil-rights charges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doj-may-indict-zimmerman-on-civil-rights-charges/663509)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 299\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doj-may-indict-zimmerman-on-civil-rights-charges/663509 "2015-02-25T19:43:42Z")
Washington Post reports: Boy, does that take you back! Like, to Mississippi Burning. Is this a good or bad idea, do you think? --- ## [Where does the Scottish Everendum stand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-scottish-everendum-stand/706026)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 994\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-scottish-everendum-stand/706026 "2015-02-25T12:19:54Z")
Ten weeks after the Referendum result and a few days after the Smith Commission reported, where does the continued informal campaign for independence stand. Over the weekend I read three blogs or commentary pieces, two … --- ## [North America and Europe going to be like the fall of the Roman Empires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-america-and-europe-going-to-be-like-the-fall-of-the-roman-empires/712333)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-america-and-europe-going-to-be-like-the-fall-of-the-roman-empires/712333 "2015-02-25T04:14:55Z")
North America and Europe going to be like the fall of the Roman Empire? Okay we all know how North America and Europe gone through growing pains of the industrialization and started to spend money into education, technol… --- ## [Why would exiting the euro be good for the greek people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-exiting-the-euro-be-good-for-the-greek-people/713239)
**Author:** [@mr\_wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr_wolf)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-exiting-the-euro-be-good-for-the-greek-people/713239 "2015-02-24T15:14:08Z")
At least this is a widespread opinion. So then, why? I read this article Greek withdrawal from the eurozone - Wikipedia but I don’t follow why simply changing the notes layout would cause all other repercussions. Coul… --- ## [A difficult question about race and sterotypes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-difficult-question-about-race-and-sterotypes/713190)
**Author:** [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-difficult-question-about-race-and-sterotypes/713190 "2015-02-23T16:13:40Z")
Let me first say if I offend anyone by oversimplifying, patronizing or using racial stereotypes I apologize. Let’s say you work in a Deli/Bodega on the border of two different neighborhoods, one middle class one low inc… --- ## [An interesting racial discrimination suit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-racial-discrimination-suit/712414)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-racial-discrimination-suit/712414 "2015-02-23T16:06:11Z")
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Suit\_over\_fired\_Fox\_anchors\_use\_of\_N-word\_gets\_green\_light\_.html Basically, a Caucasian anchor at Philly station is in a discussion over NAACP “burial of the word” ceremony (where they … --- ## [Dispersing the poor: Good idea or bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dispersing-the-poor-good-idea-or-bad/666988)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dispersing-the-poor-good-idea-or-bad/666988 "2015-02-23T15:50:16Z")
Spinoff from the suburbia thread. Perhaps the poor we shall always have with us, but that does not mean we have to have any poor neighborhoods. ISTM that it is not good for poor people to live next door only to other p… --- ## [Is China really the next U.S.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-china-really-the-next-u-s/680635)
**Author:** [@Desert\_Dumpster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Dumpster)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-china-really-the-next-u-s/680635 "2015-02-23T10:35:38Z")
There has been a LOT of punditry tossed about re how China is going to leave all of us foreign devils in the dust in the very near future. Cited often are the figures showing explosive growth and trade. However, I have m… --- ## [What does SNP stand for other than independence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-snp-stand-for-other-than-independence/713382)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-snp-stand-for-other-than-independence/713382 "2015-02-23T01:58:04Z")
I was checking on a UK thread in Elections, and it has been well hijacked by ranting about SNP. Well. I have a nice simple question for our resident SNP supporter. (Have we more than the one?) Once Scotland gains its i… --- ## [How do you find happiness in pessimistic philosophy? Is there an argument against pessimism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-find-happiness-in-pessimistic-philosophy-is-there-an-argument-against-pessimism/713065)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2015, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-find-happiness-in-pessimistic-philosophy-is-there-an-argument-against-pessimism/713065 "2015-02-22T21:53:45Z")
So particularly on nights like these I get a little down. Sorry guys but that’s the way it is…and it’s hard for me to be up without the help of a good burger or ice cream because I can’t find a way to really argue agains… --- ## [Gay Marriage and Prisoners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-marriage-and-prisoners/713254)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2015, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-marriage-and-prisoners/713254 "2015-02-22T08:32:32Z")
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/20/gay-couple-serving-life-sentences-marry-prison-marriage-full-Sutton This presents fascinating challenges to the prison service. Generally same sex relationships are largel… --- ## [Hate speech laws cover up the truth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-speech-laws-cover-up-the-truth/712886)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2015, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-speech-laws-cover-up-the-truth/712886 "2015-02-21T20:06:20Z")
After terrorists massacred 12 people at the offices of Charlie Hebdo last month, there was a massive outpouring of defenses of free speech in France and worldwide. But many people noted the irony that some supporters of… --- ## [New Jehovah's Witness proselytizing method?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-jehovahs-witness-proselytizing-method/711676)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2015, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-jehovahs-witness-proselytizing-method/711676 "2015-02-21T13:21:41Z")
When I checked my mail today I found something that I don’t often see anymore. A hand addressed envelope with a first class stamp. It was addressed to me personally. The return address (also hand written) was for a woman… --- ## [NSA, Malware and Hard Drives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-malware-and-hard-drives/713150)
**Author:** [@Carryon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carryon)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2015, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-malware-and-hard-drives/713150 "2015-02-21T07:42:27Z")
I figured that had to be a thread about this, but I couldn’t find one, so please link to an active thread if there is one. Anyway, I was wondering what was the story or your thoughts behind the idea that the NSA was put… --- ## [Worker displacements caused by new technology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worker-displacements-caused-by-new-technology/713200)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2015, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worker-displacements-caused-by-new-technology/713200 "2015-02-21T03:21:19Z")
For the record, I am no Luddite and I don’t think we should curtail technology so that buggy whip manufacturers can send their kids to college. That said, automation will continue to displace more and more workers, ofte… --- ## [Why shouldn't people have to pay for shopping bags?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-people-have-to-pay-for-shopping-bags/712415)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2015, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-people-have-to-pay-for-shopping-bags/712415 "2015-02-21T02:42:56Z")
Here in Portland, ME a lot of people are mad about the grocery bag fee that goes into effect in the spring. I don’t understand why people act like having free bags is their right. Store owners already have to pay for t… --- ## [Islam could get better](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islam-could-get-better/712536)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2015, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islam-could-get-better/712536 "2015-02-20T22:09:30Z")
Obama has been taking an awful lot of silly flack over his remarks at the 2015 National Prayer Breakfast\*: Now, I read that and I think, how fortunate we are, to have arrived at a point in history where horrible things… --- ## [Rape on Campus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-on-campus/712948)
**Author:** [@Steve918](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve918)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2015, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-on-campus/712948 "2015-02-20T20:37:24Z")
Is there really a rape epidemic on US and UK campuses? The Guardian, a left-leaning British newspaper, has an almost weekly column on the subject. The columnist posts in the comments section, pretending to be a male com… --- ## [Why do so many people on the right and the left turn into John Galt when it comes to foreign policy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-people-on-the-right-and-the-left-turn-into-john-galt-when-it-comes-to-foreign-policy/712978)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2015, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-people-on-the-right-and-the-left-turn-into-john-galt-when-it-comes-to-foreign-policy/712978 "2015-02-20T20:35:26Z")
\*\*\*“I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.” That is the rallying cry of John Galt, a philosophy where no one has any obligation to… --- ## [Keystone XL -- I don't understand the opposition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keystone-xl-i-dont-understand-the-opposition/709156)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2015, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keystone-xl-i-dont-understand-the-opposition/709156 "2015-02-20T15:33:14Z")
It isn’t because I think fossil fuels are great. The idea of drilling in ANWR, for example, always seemed dumb to me: the whole point of having a wildlife refuge is not to have development. But it seems to me that the … --- ## [Women: the more moral sex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-the-more-moral-sex/712792)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2015, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-the-more-moral-sex/712792 "2015-02-19T22:17:42Z")
The stats seem to suggest so, don’t they? Unless women are simply more adept at getting away with things, men just commit more crimes, it’s a fact. Men murder more, they rape more, they’re more likely to be pedophiles, … --- ## [Obama to request a new AUMF](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-request-a-new-aumf/712295)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2015, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-request-a-new-aumf/712295 "2015-02-19T16:43:31Z")
Authorization for Use of Military Force. Story here. For Debate: Assuming that Obama plans to continue fighting ISIL, does he need this? 1a. If he doesn’t get it, does he have to end his fight against ISIL? Assu… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=202) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=204)